Teaching Strategies to Understand Design Brief - Creating a Talking Stick

 

Storytelling and Symbolism Workshop

Storytelling and Symbolism Workshop Objective: To help students explore the theme of "Metamorphosis" and understand how to symbolize transformation in their talking stick design. Activity: Begin the workshop with a storytelling session where students listen to various stories or myths that involve transformation, such as the caterpillar turning into a butterfly, the story of the Phoenix, or personal stories of change. Discussion: After the stories, hold a class discussion where students share their thoughts on what transformation means to them. Ask them to think about how they have transformed or grown in their own lives. Design Brainstorm: Encourage students to brainstorm symbols or motifs that represent metamorphosis to them. They could sketch ideas, gather images, or collect natural objects that inspire their designs. Outcome: Students will then use these symbols as the basis for their talking stick design, choosing colors, shapes, and materials that represent transformation.

Human Centered Design (HCD)

Human Centered Design         Human-centered design (HCD) focuses on understanding the needs, experiences, and emotions of users throughout the design process. When creating a talking stick for Year 9 students around the theme of metamorphosis, it’s important to engage with the students and consider their perspectives.  1. Empathize Start by understanding the students' experiences with morning circles. Conduct interviews or focus groups to gather insights on what they value in these discussions, their feelings about sharing, and their thoughts on the theme of metamorphosis. This might include exploring how they perceive change in themselves and their environment. 2. Define Based on your findings, define the core needs and challenges the talking stick should address. For example: Encouraging Participation: Many students might feel shy or reluctant to share. Symbolism of Change: The stick could represent their personal growth and transformation. 3. Ideate Brainstorm ideas for the design of the talking stick. Consider: Materials: Use natural materials to represent growth and transformation. You might think about wood that has unique textures or colors, symbolizing different stages of metamorphosis. Interactive Features: Perhaps the stick could have elements that students can touch or manipulate, making it more engaging. 4. Prototype Create a few prototypes of the talking stick. This could include variations in size, texture, and shape. Incorporate elements that represent the theme of metamorphosis, such as: Colors: Use colors that transition from one to another, like shades of a caterpillar changing into a butterfly. Inscriptions or Symbols: Include symbols or words that resonate with the students’ experiences of change. 5. Test Introduce the prototypes in morning circles and observe how students interact with them. Gather feedback on: Usability: Do they feel comfortable using the talking stick? Emotional Connection: Does it resonate with their experiences of metamorphosis? 6. Iterate Based on feedback, make adjustments to the design. Perhaps students suggest adding features that allow them to personalize the stick or share their own metamorphosis stories. Conclusion By employing human-centered design principles, the talking stick can become a meaningful tool that encourages open dialogue among Year 9 students, fostering a sense of community while celebrating their personal transformations. The process of involving students at every stage ensures that the final product is not only functional but also resonates deeply with their experiences and aspirations.

Sustainable Materials Exploration

Designing a talking stick for Year 9 students with the theme of metamorphosis presents several human sustainability challenges. These challenges relate to both the environmental impact of materials used and the social implications of fostering a sustainable, inclusive dialogue. Material Sourcing Sustainable Materials: Choosing materials that are environmentally friendly is crucial. Consider using reclaimed wood or sustainably sourced materials to minimize ecological impact. This encourages students to think about sustainability from a young age. Local Sourcing: If possible, source materials locally to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation. This supports local economies and emphasizes the importance of community engagement. 2. Craftsmanship and Skills Promoting Skills: Involving students in the creation process can be a valuable learning experience. Workshops on woodworking or craft skills not only promote creativity but also instill a sense of ownership and responsibility toward the object they help create. Cultural Significance: Explore the cultural significance of talking sticks in different communities. This can lead to discussions about traditional practices and sustainability, enriching students’ understanding of diverse perspectives on communication and community. 3. Waste Management Minimizing Waste: Design the stick to minimize waste during production. This can involve careful planning of cuts and designs to use as much of the material as possible. Lifecycle Consideration: Think about the lifecycle of the talking stick. Encourage students to consider what will happen to the stick after its use. Will it be recycled, repurposed, or composted? 4. Social Sustainability Inclusivity and Empowerment: The talking stick should serve as a tool for all voices to be heard, promoting inclusivity. Design it to encourage participation from all students, regardless of their confidence in speaking. Fostering Community: Use the talking stick to discuss themes of transformation not just on a personal level but within the community and environment. This can include discussions about social issues, relationships, and environmental stewardship. 5. Educational Impact Awareness of Sustainability: Use the process of creating and using the talking stick as a platform to teach students about sustainability. Integrate lessons on the environmental impact of materials, the importance of community, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Encouraging Reflection: Metamorphosis is a powerful theme for personal growth. Encourage students to reflect on their own transformations and how they can contribute to a more sustainable future. ·  Objective: To integrate sustainability into the design and creation of the talking stick, encouraging students to consider the environmental impact of their choices. ·  Activity: Organize a materials exploration day where students examine a variety of sustainable and repurposed textile materials (e.g., recycled fabrics, natural fibers, upcycled materials). Set up stations with different materials and tools for students to experiment with. ·  Interactive Stations: Natural Dyeing: Teach students how to dye fabrics using natural dyes from plants, fruits, or vegetables. Upcycling: Challenge students to repurpose old textiles or garments into new components for their talking stick. Textile Techniques: Introduce sustainable textile techniques like weaving with natural fibers or creating textures with scrap materials. ·  Reflection: Have students reflect on the environmental impact of textile production and discuss how their material choices can support sustainability in their projects. ·  Outcome: Students will select sustainable materials and techniques for their talking stick, ensuring their design aligns with environmental responsibility. By addressing these human sustainability challenges in the design and creation of the talking stick, educators can foster a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of people, materials, and the environment. This approach not only enhances the educational experience but also encourages students to become mindful, responsible stewards of their community and the planet.